Walter "Wally" Steele was part of two Scotch 1st XVIII premiership sides in 1895 and 1896, Steele joined the Fuschias in 1896, followed them into their first VFL season and played on the wing in Melbourne's first ever team.

Steele also ran in the Stawell Gift during the 1890's.

He had been ill for two years before his passing, and the recent loss of his son in World War II is thought to have accelerated his demise.